The Impact of Social Media on Football Dismissals

Mario Been Reflects on John Heitinga’s Dismissal and the Emotional Toll of Social Media

During the latest episode of Goedemorgen Eredivisie, the panel explored the emotional and psychological realities that follow a coach’s dismissal — with John Heitinga’s recent departure from Ajax serving as the focal point. The discussion highlighted how football management, often perceived as glamorous, can in truth be profoundly isolating and emotionally taxing, especially in the age of constant digital exposure.

Mario Been, speaking candidly on ESPN, stressed that the influence of social media has made such experiences far harsher than in previous decades. According to Been, online platforms not only accelerate public judgment but also intensify the emotional burden on coaches and their families.

“When you are dismissed from a club you deeply care about, it’s not just a professional setback,” Been said. “It affects your personal world too. Your family — your children, your partner — suddenly become part of the public conversation. They read the comments, they feel the tension. Heitinga is undoubtedly going through this right now. Social media magnifies everything, turning disappointment into humiliation.”

Been reflected on his own past at Feyenoord, recalling how even years later, the sting of dismissal remains vivid.

“I’ve lived through it myself,” he continued. “You don’t simply walk away and move on. When you invest emotionally in a club, it becomes part of your identity. Losing that connection feels like losing a part of yourself. Back then, we didn’t have Twitter or Instagram to amplify the noise — but even so, it was painful. Today, it’s a hundred times worse.”

The former Feyenoord coach also noted that the modern football environment leaves little room for empathy. Instant reactions, sensational headlines, and endless streams of criticism mean that coaches live under constant pressure, with their every decision dissected and often ridiculed in real time.

“Football used to allow for patience — for human error,” Been added. “Now, one bad week can redefine your career. Social media doesn’t forgive; it doesn’t forget. For someone like Heitinga, who has devoted so much of his life to Ajax, that must be incredibly difficult to process.”

The segment concluded with a broader reflection on how the culture of modern football — driven by results, visibility, and fan engagement — often forgets the human element behind the headlines. While clubs move on quickly, the personal toll on individuals like John Heitinga lingers much longer, serving as a reminder that behind every dismissal lies a story of passion, loss, and resilience.